The excitement returns to Saudi handball courts as the ninth round of the 2025/2026 Saudi Premier Handball League kicks off this Friday, following a 42-day break. This break allowed the Saudi national teams to prepare for and participate in international competitions, highlighting the close link between the strength of the domestic league and the national team's performance on the continental and international stage.
Background and importance of the Saudi Handball League
The Saudi Premier Handball League, which began in the 1970s, is a cornerstone of the sport's development in the Kingdom. Throughout its history, the league has witnessed fierce competition among established clubs such as Al-Ahli, Al-Noor, Mudhar, and Al-Khaleej, who have dominated the title count and contributed significantly to the national teams by producing top talent. The league's importance extends beyond domestic competition; it also serves as a gateway for clubs to participate in the Asian Club Championship, granting winning teams the opportunity to represent the Kingdom at the continental level, thus adding another dimension of significance to every match in the season.
The impact of returning after the break and predictions for round nine
The return of competition after a long hiatus presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Teams are eager to quickly regain their match rhythm, while international players hope to translate their experience gained with the national team into strong performances for their clubs. The ninth round is expected to witness fierce battles, both at the top of the table where everyone is aiming to catch the leader, and in the middle and bottom of the standings where teams are striving to improve their positions and avoid relegation. This round will be a true test of the teams' physical and technical readiness to complete the season strongly.
The most prominent matches of the ninth round
Mudar and Al-Huda: A fiery summit in Qatif
All eyes will be on the Qatif Sports Hall as second-placed Mudhar, with 12 points, hosts fourth-placed Al-Huda, who have 10 points. Mudhar will be looking to keep the pressure on league leaders Al-Khaleej and close the gap, building on their impressive win in the last round. Meanwhile, Al-Huda will be aiming for a positive result that would propel them into the top three and break their tie with Al-Ahli and Al-Noor.
Al-Ahli seeks a comeback, while Al-Safa hopes for an upset
Al-Ahli, currently third in the standings with 10 points, will visit Al-Safa, who sit tenth with two points. Al-Ahli enters the match with one goal in mind: to bounce back from their unexpected defeat in the previous round and return to winning ways to compete for the top spot. Meanwhile, Al-Safa hopes to capitalize on home advantage and the support of their fans to achieve a positive result that will help them escape the relegation zone.
A mid-table clash: Al-Fateh faces Al-Noor
In another crucial match, Al-Fateh (seventh with 6 points) hosts Al-Noor (fifth with 10 points). Al-Noor aims to continue its winning streak and stay close to the top of the table, while Al-Fateh seeks to return to winning ways after its loss in the last round and improve its position in the standings.
Other matches in the round
The round opens with two more matches. Al-Zulfi (sixth with 8 points) hosts bottom-placed Al-Adalah (no points) in what appears to be a relatively easy match for the home side. In a closely contested encounter, Al-Wahda (eighth with 4 points) faces Al-Muheet (ninth with 2 points) in a direct battle to distance themselves from the relegation zone.
Schedule of matches for round 9 of the Handball Premier League:
- 4:00 PM: Al-Zulfi vs. Al-Adalah
- 4:00 PM: Al Wahda vs Al Muheet
- 4:00 PM: Al-Safa vs Al-Ahli
- 7:00 PM: Al-Fateh vs Al-Noor
- 8:30 PM: Mudar vs Al-Huda
League standings before the start of round 9
- Gulf: 16 points
- Mudar: 12 points
- Al Ahly: 10 points
- Al-Huda: 10 points
- Al-Nour: 10 points
- Al-Zulfi: 8 points
- Al-Fateh: 6 points
- Unit: 4 points
- Perimeter: 2 points
- Al-Safa: 2 points
- Justice: 0 points
